Month: July 2014

Continued DistressThis week brings a continuation of our prayers and thoughts for Israel’s rapid and safe dismantle of Hamas’ Terror. With the IDF’s ground incursion, the death toll is raising but when one side uses deceitful and ruthless tactics, no one wins. This message epitomizes the ideology of the region:

“Israel uses Weaponry to Protect civilians while Hamas uses civilians to protect weaponry”. Israel HATES war while Hamas HATES Israel. And for a small region, the conflict is getting top billing. World opinion is either on one side or the other with pockets of violent anti-Israel protests risking lives all over the world (Paris, Nazareth, Germany, Houston, Ireland). What is Israel to do…? After 66 years of trying to get along with her neighbors, it’s time to just isolate, protect and continue to build our Homeland that was obtained legally and with deep historical roots. I’m an optimist but, sadly, I don’t see Peace in our near future. I do see hope when I read letters like this one, which is just SPOT ON! http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/a-letter-to-israel-an-indian-writes/ And of course stories of the Israeli Field Hospital set up to assist injured Gazans is ignored by most in the world…but not here: http://www.israel21c.org/headlines/israel-sets-up-field-hospital-for-wounded-gazans/ And lastly, here are 5 media myths about the situation that will enlighten your view, especially if you’ve been watching CNN, reading the NYTimes or listening to NPR: http://www.ajc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=7oJILSPwFfJSG&b=9077509&ct=14093965

You wouldn’t know this is an AXE commercial plus it speaks volumes and refers to John’s quote above:

LoyaltyBRAVO to Michael Bloomberg on his solidarity mission to Israel and his articulate retort to CNN’s Wolfe Blitzer. Our US delegation needs to take a lesson on Loyalty and Support from former Mayor Bloomberg and our neighbors to the north as Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper also unequivocally defends Israel:http://tinyurl.com/CanadianMPHarper

HypocrisyWas it hypocritical for the FAA to restrict flights into Israel this week when no restrictions were set for the Ukraine? These restrictions and travel warnings are a bonus to Hamas as it accomplishes their economic terrorist goals. Now is the time to travel to Israel (to eat, shop and spend) as Hannan and I will be doing very soon.

Abrupt ContinuityWe, in the US, take Freedom of Religion for granted. This week, in Iraq, ends the millennial long history of Christian in Mosul as Islamist threatened (with death), that all Christians either flee their homes with no possessions or convert. Thousands fled while 5 families converted. These persecuted victims are decedents of the earliest Christians from 2,000 years ago who’s history is now wiped clean from Mosul. Pure genocide.http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/iraq-christians-flee-mosul-militant-threats-24659276

Water DisruptionThere are many things we can’t live without but none more important than water. Sadly, over 7,000 Detroiters, who couldn’t afford to pay their water bills, had their service turned off last month. Nearly half came up with the payments and had their water return but the others were still dry till this week when the Water Department gave those who still had unpaid bills a 15 day reprieve. Most hope those who are still without service can make arrangements for a payment plan so service is not interrupted in the future. Again our friends to the North are coming to our rescue as carloads of Canadians plan to deliver 200 gallons of water to the dry Detroiters:http://tinyurl.com/CanadianWater

313And speaking of Detroit, Happy 313 Birthday (celebrated yesterday July 24th) which coincides with the Detroit’s 313 Area Code. To celebrate, maybe you’d like to purchase a cool and unique pair of Detroit Flip Flops made from recycled (illegally dumped tires) http://tinyurl.com/DetroitTreadsSandals

May next week’s Shabbat message be filled with more peaceful news. Shabbat Shalom to you and your loved ones.

Lisa

Bonus Music VideoPlease enjoy this beautiful rendition of David Broza’s famous song “Yihiyeh Tov / It will be good”. This English version was first song by a father (heading to fight terrorism) to his son more than 10 years ago and now the father and son are singing it again as the son heads to Gaza to fight that same battle.https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152316818298717&fref=nf

CondolencesThe above song is a tribute to all of the people who have lost their lives these last several weeks. Condolences to the Israeli families of the nearly 30 deaths from this Operation Protective Edge as well as these two Americans/Israeli soldiers who were killed.

Max Steinberg z”l

age 24 from California

Sean Carmeli z”l

age 21 from Texas

Condolences also to the family and friends of Malaysia Flight 17 as some of the victims are arriving back to Holland. After a week of complete disrespect for the crash site with Russian Separatist sabotaging the wreckage and many bodies still missing, this tragedy will take months or even years to sort out.

Get your Absentee BallotFor those who will be out of town (or out of their district) on Aug. 5th or for those who are older than 60 or for those who are disabled and can’t get to the polls, you can pick up your Absentee Ballots from your County Clerks office this week.

District 39 – Sandy Colvin – Commerce Twsp, Wixom, West Bloom. Twsp, Wolverine Lake (FYI, Sandy’s Dem. primary opponent, Michael Saari, is an NRA member and used to be listed as a Republican)
District 40 – Mary Belden Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and the eastern portion of West Bloomfield Township
District 61 – John Fisher – Portage/Kalamazoo area.

Wednesday September 17thHannan and I are honored to be presented with the Detroit Public TV Dolores & George Riley Stewardship Award at their annual Premiere Night event at the Westin Book Cadilac. We hope you can join us. http://www.dptv.org/support/premiere-night/

Thursday Oct. 2ndPlease join us for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters Dinner honoring John Dingell and Carl Levin for their decades of service to our nation and their efforts to help protect our environment. The event will be held at the Westin Book Cadilac.

Tuesday Oct. 7thWe will be celebrating our 10th anniversary of the Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Friends Luncheon which benefits the West Bloomfield Henry Ford Breast Care and Wellness Center. We are teaming up with the Detroit Lions this year as the Luncheon will be at Ford Field in Detroit.

TragedyNearly 300 people traveling from Amsterdam to Malaysia were killed when their aircraft was shot down over Ukraine on Thursday. Condolences to the family and friends of the victims.

Disproportional WarThough Egypt tried to negotiate a ceasefire earlier in the week, their true feelings about the conflict are exemplified by this quote: “Thank you Netanyahu and may God give us more [people] like you to destroy Hamas!” – Azza Sami of the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram. Least we forget, Hamas is a terrorist organization just like Al Qaeda yet during 9/11 and our fight against Bin Laden, I don’t ever remember the news media giving ample time and interviews to Osama so he could spew his lies and rhetoric. So why must we hear the Terrorist spokesman from Hamas give his message of deceit on radio, TV and in newspapers? Sadly the people of Gaza are being manipulated and scarified for Hamas’ sole purpose of destroying Israel. While Israel strives to protect her citizens with warning sirens, bomb shelters and missile defense systems, Hamas (the elected government) has spent it’s money stockpiling rockets to kill as many Israelis a possible. Gaza has NO sirens, No protective shelters but they have the world’s sympathy with their intended (disproportional) high casualty rate and their continual brainwashing messages of Hate to their children. Here is a factual and clear 5 1/2 minute video that describes the historical situation of the Middle East. Most of you know these facts…its the world who needs educating (thanks, Reuben, for sharing):http://www.israelvideonetwork.com/the-most-important-video-about-israel-ever-made

Hamas Victims

French FuryThis week, while Israel continued it’s protective shield defensive to eliminate the 10,000 stockpiled rockets in Gaza, France was celebrating Bastille Day but not all French were focusing on themselves. Sadly, the escalation of Anti-Semitism reared its ugly head in Paris as thousands of pro-Hamas demonstrators at Bastille Square attacked a Synagogue with stones and bricks while Jews were inside praying. Police needed to attend to the violent situation to assist the barricaded Jews. This video shows the full picture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6k3RH3AUkc and here is the article about the demonstration:http://ejpress.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49737&catid=2 The French Jewish immigration to Israel (escaping the rising hatred) has quadrupled in the last year indicating the severity of the situation. 500,000 Jews live in France (Europe’s largest Jewish Population), yet their security among hostile neighbors is forcing them out of their home. Israel expects 5,000 French Olim (immigrants) to make Israel their new home this year.

French Jews

Suit StuntHere in our country, specifically DC, the Speaker of the House, John Boehner, has decided to sue President Obama, (as far as I can tell) for performing his job. The specifics of the suit address the delay of ObamaCare which they (the Republicans) tried to repeal 50 times. Boehner sees this lawsuit as a more palatable course of action than the extremes of his sect, who want to impeach POTUS. This political stunt is a complete waste of money and time. A better use of our time (among many other issues) is how to humanely deal with the 10s of Thousands of refugee children fleeing from the life threatening effects for forced Central American Gang violence partly due to our insatiable drug appetite. Those who are protesting their temporary housing options don’t seem to understand the full picture.

They look like friends…

Friendly ReminderSince I’ll be away during our Michigan Primary (Aug. 5th), I have already sent in my Absentee Ballot. There is a Statewide Proposal (14-1) to “Reduce State Use Tax which I researched (http://www.lwvmi.org/documents/VG2014P_Prop14-1.pdf ) and found much support for so I voted YES on this proposal. Also, there is an Oakland County Millage Renewal which I also voted YES. Lastly, if you are voting the Democratic Party (you can only vote one section) I urge you to vote for Rudy Hobbs (US Congress, District 14). Rudy is the smartest, most capable and experienced candidate with a pro-Michigan, pro-Woman and pro-Israel stance.

Shalom Bayit (Peace of the Home)
Sadly, we lack Shalom in our House of Worship. As our Rabbi is moving on, we bid him gratitude for his excellent 16 years of leadership and wish him well, though during this transition we need to remember our Jewish morals and act accordingly. Some have been blinded by emotions and have lashed out disrespectfully to fellow congregants who volunteer their time (with no personal gain) to help guide the direction of our Shul. It was shocking to hear some of the visceral attacks that were unfiltered from fellow Jews. We will get through this segue with hopes of healed wounds and optimistic visions of our future.

Rest in peace, Elaine Stritch, the Detroit bred Broadway Diva who continued to entertain well into her 80s. May her many accomplishments and contributions to theatre, film and Television be a source of comfort to those who mourn her passing.

Get your Absentee BallotFor those who will be out of town (or out of their district) on Aug. 5th or for those who are older than 60 or for those who are disabled and can’t get to the polls, you can pick up your Absentee Ballots from your County Clerks office this week.

District 39 – Sandy Colvin – Commerce Twsp, Wixom, West Bloom. Twsp, Wolverine Lake (FYI, Sandy’s Dem. primary opponent, Michael Saari, is an NRA member and used to be listed as a Republican)
District 40 – Mary Belden Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and the eastern portion of West Bloomfield Township
District 61 – John Fisher – Portage/Kalamazoo area.

Sunday July 20thIf you live in Ann Arbor, please stop by the home of dear friends,Bunky and Neal Elyakin on Sunday, July 20, from 5:00-6:00 to greet Debbie Dingell, who is running for the congressional seat currently held by her retiring husband, Congressman John Dingell. Debbie is interested in meeting people in the district and hearing from her (hopefully) future constituents. THIS IS NOT A FUNDRAISER but they’d like to know if you plan to attend. So please email elyakin@mac.com or call/text 734-417-6094. The address is 1300 Red Oak, Ann Arbor.

Thursday July 31stIn memory of the 3 Israeli teens, there is a Detroit Challah Baking Event planned for Thursday July 31st at 7 pm at The Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit. For more info, please contact Aviv Gordon at avivagordontma@gmail.com

Thursday Oct. 2ndHope you can join us at the Michigan League of Conservation Voters Dinner to honor John Dingell and Carl Levin for their decades of service to our nation and their efforts to help protect our environment. The event will be held at the Westin Book Cadilac.

Tuesday Oct. 7thWe will be celebrating our 10th anniversary of the Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Friends Luncheon on behalf of the West Bloomfield Henry Ford Breast Care and Wellness Center. We are teaming up with the Detroit Lions this year as the luncheon will be Tuesday October 7th at Ford Field. Hope you can join us. More details to come.

Protective EdgeAfter a week of accelerated tension with over 500 Hamas rockets targeted at Israeli citizenry and the IDF using defensive tactics in Gaza to help keep Israel safe, most are praying and hoping for a settling down period. Israel wants calm while Hamas (the terrorist organization not necessarily the people of Gaza) wants graphic photos and breaking news headlines for their propaganda fight, not to mention the destruction of Israel. These rocket attacks are NOT new. Since 2001, nearly 13,000 attacks from Gaza have been endured by Israel (that’s an average of 3 attacks EVERY single day). Here are the full stats: http://www.idfblog.com/facts-figures/rocket-attacks-toward-israel/ (side note: Thank God for the Technion designed/US Funded Iron Dome Defense System which has saved numerous lives). The media tries to equalize each side but in reality, Hamas has been instigating terror for years while Israel takes the defensive approach to eliminate the ammunition. Hamas uses human shields while the IDF sends forewarning notices before hitting rocket lunchers and suspected terrorist homes. The sides are NOT equal and this cartoon is a perfect analogy to the situation (thanks, Tzachi for sharing):

Hamas can never be a Peace Partner and hopefully this situation has helped the PA to reconsider it’s bond with this terrorist organization.

DisgracefulNaivety convinced me that the coldblooded terrorists who murdered the 16 year old Palestinian, Muhammad Abu Khdeir could NOT have been Jewish as this type of revenge activity isn’t within our ethos. Sadly, I was wrong and the Jewish terrorists who committed this dastardly crime were apprehended this week. This act is despicable, deplorable and deserves severe punishment.

Israeli visitors at the mourners’ tent of the Abu Khdeir familyShuafat, Jerusalem

HumanityPersonal attempts to heal the deep-seeded wound were exhibited all this week by Israelis. The father of one of the kidnapped Israeli teens called with condolences to the family of the slain Arab teen. Israeli families attended his memorial service, paid condolence visits to his home with a genuine sense of apology and expression that those who did the killing do NOT represent 99.9% of the population. Bibi also called the family and expressed his deepest condolences. Sadly there is asymmetry with these Humane acts of kindness, since Arabs who express support of Jews are often treated as traitors and their lives are threatened.

ParentlessHere in the US, we have different human crisis dominating our border. Will the nearly $4 Billion requested by Pres. Obama cover the enormous task of dealing with the projected 90,000unaccompanied immigrant children and teens detained while trying to reach our cherished American cities. These kids are trying to escape their Central American homes where poverty, gang violence and Drug Lords dominate their surroundings.

RectificationBravo to our Michigan Senators Levin and Stabenow for supporting the Senatorial attempt to overturn last week’s SCOTUS decision with their endorsement of the Protect Women’s Health from Corporate Interference Act. A companion House bill is expected, too. The Hobby Lobby SCOTUS decision emphasizes the importance of our electoral process as the trajectory of our nation lies within the confines of 9 lifetime appointed Judges who’s personal beliefs can change the course of our country. This is why it is important to vote but also why it is strategic for elderly Judges like Ruth Bader Ginsburg to think about retirement while Obama is still in office. Justice Thurgood Marshal always regretted his retirement timing and his fears held true since Pres. George H.W. Bush replaced him with Clarence Thomas who will most likely go down in history as our lest-respected Justice. Also, no other country has Lifetime appointments. We should think about term limits for the Supreme Court or a reconfirmation process after a certain amount of time (like 15 years).

Sports KudosMazel Tov to the world’s top tennis player, Novak Djokovic, on two major events this week; winning Wimbledon and getting married. Also, good luck to Argentina and Germany this Sunday as they battle to become the World Cup champs.

CSN&FThis week’s parting gift is this “totally awesome” musical pairing of David, Stephen, Graham and Jimmy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. http://tinyurl.com/CSN-Jimmy

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom,

Lisa

P.S. Our son, Aviv, will be in DC this month participating in a High School program at Georgetown. Any DC residents who want to touch base, email me and I’ll give you his contact info. Thanks.

Get your Absentee BallotFor those who will be out of town (or out of their district) on Aug. 5th or for those who are older than 60 or for those who are disabled and can’t get to the polls, you can pick up your Absentee Ballots from your County Clerks office this week.

If you live in Ann Arbor, please stop by the home of dear friends, Bunky and Neal Elyakin on Sunday, July 20, from 5:00-6:00 to greet Debbie Dingell, who is running for the congressional seat currently held by her retiring husband, Congressman John Dingell. Debbie is interested in meeting people in the district and hearing from her (hopefully) future constituents. THIS IS NOT A FUNDRAISER but they’d like to know if you plan to attend. So please email elyakin@mac.com or call/text 734-417-6094. The address is 1300 Red Oak, Ann Arbor

In memory of the 3 Israeli teens, there is a Detroit Challah Baking Event planned for Thursday July 31st at 7 pm at The Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit. For more info, please contact Aviv Gordon at avivagordontma@gmail.com

Please check out the broadcast premiere of Eli’s Story (about the incredible Holocaust surviver who toured many Detroiters at Yad Vashem) on Detroit Public TV, Sunday, Aug. 17, from 8-9 p.m. It will be the capstone of a full day’s rebroadcast of the Simon Schama series The Story of the Jews, which will begin at 12:30 p.m. and run till 8 p.m.

We will be celebrating our 10th anniversary of the Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Friends Luncheon on behalf of the West Bloomfield Henry Ford Breast Care and Wellness Center. We are teaming up with the Detroit Lions this year as the luncheon will be Tuesday October 7th at Ford Field (Shuttle buses will be provided). Hope you can join us. More details to come.

Our friends at Forgotten Harvest need help to raise $60,000 to purchase a NEW food truck! The best part? Anyone who raises or donates at least $250 will have their name forever displayed on the truck! Here’s how to participate in this GREAT Opportunity:https://www.crowdrise.com/ForgottenHarvestTruckAppeal

SorrowI intended to open this week’s Shabbat email with a message of Independence, Freedom and Hope as we celebrate our 238th birthday, but, of course our week began with the most somber discovery of the 3 Israeli Teens’ demise. Israel is Independent yet surrounded by enemies. All citizens are Free yet safety is elusive. Hope is her national anthem but Peace seems to be a dwindling image. What will Israel’s 238th birthday hold? Will the day come when Israel can celebrate her independence without the constant threat of annihilation? The neighborhood is DANGEROUS with inhabitants who are filled with hate and value death (even against themselves) in exchange for dominance. We value LIFE and need to remember our ethics while continuing to PROTECT our citizens yet keeping the casualties of our enemies to a minimum.

Gilad Shaar z”l (16) Naftali Frankel z”l (16) Eyal Yifrach z”l (19)

Stronger VoicesThe day the teens were found coincided with the month-long commencement of the reflective Ramadan holiday. Muslim observance of Ramadan includes fasting during the daylight hours, praying, reading the Quran, being humble, refraining from bad deeds and giving charity. Certainly killing teens would be counterintuitive to the holiday. We must continue to pray for the day when moderate Muslims can safely stand up and speak out to repress and root out the violent radical high-jackers of their religion, like this brave Arab teen who’s life is now threatened after criticizing terror. His aunt, an Arab Israeli Knesset Minister (though very anti-Israel), objects to his peaceful stance.http://www.timesofisrael.com/threats-against-israeli-arab-teen-who-slammed-kidnapping/

Politicized DecisionShame on SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) for disregarding one of the major blueprint elements decreed by our forefathers. We must keep our vast and varying religions clear and separate from our governing bodies. This new judgement by SCOTUS has set a precedent and opened pandora’s box. There are 71 other companies who’ve sued to restrict affordable Birth Control from their employees.

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/04/hobby-lobby-sebelius-contraceptive-for-profit-lawsuits (side note, our Michigan Attorney General, Bill Scheutte, filed briefs against the ObamaCare in 6 of these 71 lawsuits). The Citizens United debacle which opened the door to Corporations being treated as People is one of the rationalizations for this latest decision. Corporations are NOT People and even if they were, they can’t pick and chose which LAWS they prefer to follow. It is now the LAW to (wisely and for the good of our country) require Birth Control to be covered under Insurance. Half of all pregnancies are unexpected (yes HALF!). One way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and decrease abortion is through safe and affordable birth control. Also, there are many health benefits to the Pill. http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/features/other-reasons-to-take-the-pill This Supreme Court decision is a direct assault on Women’s Health Care. I don’t see them cutting off Viagra from anyone’s insurance policies. Here is a great diatribe (by the brilliant President Jeb Barlet) of why religion needs to stay in their own Houses of Worship and out of our civic policieshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYaewOBGybw

Chevre CheeseTo conclude this week’s email, here is a photo from last weekend’s trip to Eugene, Oregon when we visited Liat (our daughter) and Andrew (Liat’s boyfriend) on the goat farm.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet Shabbat Shalom and a joyful 4th of July weekend.

Lisa

“To live in the hearts left behind is not to die” – Thomas Campbell

It has truly been a sad week and adding to our sorrow was the unexpected passing of a community patriarch and friend, David Page. David stepped up in every corner of our region to take on chairmanship and leadership roles at Federation, Children’s Hospital, ORT, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, City Year and the list goes on. I am grateful to him as just this month I was install on our Detroit Zoo board based on his nomination of me. He was a mentor to many, a sweet and generous man, a loving husband and father and a friend to all. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Andrea (of 49 years) and his family. May his spirit, love, memories and devotion bring comfort to those in mourning.

Our thoughts and prayers are also with Paul Meyer and his family on the passing of his younger brother, John David Meyer. May his memory and spirit bring comfort to those who love him.

Michigan Primary is Aug. 5th

National Election is Nov. 4th

RegisterAll US Citizens who are or will be 18 by Nov. 4th are eligible to vote. You can register to vote by mail; at your county, city, or township clerk’s office; or by visiting any Secretary of State branch office. http://www.mi.gov/sos This site can also answer all your Election questions including info on a sample ballot so you can prepare for your vote. Registration deadline for MI Primary is July 7th.

Get your Absentee Ballot For those who will be out of town (or out of their district) on Aug. 5th or for those who are older than 60 or for those who are disabled and can’t get to the polls, you can pick up your Absentee Ballots from your County Clerks office this week.

Please help support our Michigan Candidates and spread the word:(copy, paste & forward if you choose):